Your LCD monitor is made up of millions of pixels. Each pixel is a group of the colors red, green and blue subpixels that combine to make any color needed and they create the images you see on your computer screen.

So just a few dead or stuck pixels can be distracting, especially if you're expecting a pristine screen at all times.

Dead or stuck pixels are fairly easy to spot even without special tools since they tend to look like tiny discolored dots on your screen.

Aside from noticing them with your naked eye, a more scientific way of detecting stuck or dead pixels on your desktop screen is by using third-party applications like IsMyLCDOK or InjuredPixels for Windows. Mac users can use the Screen Utility app. These apps run a cycle of solid colored screens so you can spot bad pixels instantly.

But first, keep in mind that there's a difference between a dead and a stuck pixel.

A stuck pixel occurs when one or two of the color subpixels remain activated even when they're supposed to be off. For example, the blue subpixel might get stuck so the entire pixel will display a different color than what is intended.

A dead pixel occurs when an entire pixel or a group of subpixels remain dark even when they're supposed to be on. Since this implies that the pixel or group of subpixels are no longer powering on, they're harder to fix than stuck pixels. In most cases, dead pixels are lost forever.

Use your warranty

If you are within your display's warranty period and you have detected stuck or dead pixels, it's recommended that you have the manufacturer replace it.

Most monitor manufacturers have a return policy for dead and stuck pixels and they'll usually replace a monitor if it has more than several pixels stuck in a single color or brightness setting. Additionally, since dead pixels are difficult to fix, replacing your monitor via the manufacturer's warranty is your best route.

JScreenFix

If your display is out of warranty and you'd rather try your luck at fixing stuck or even dead pixels yourself, then you'll be pleased to know that there are software tools available that can help you out.

You can go the web browser application route with a site called JScreenFix. The free service claims to fix most stuck pixels within 10 minutes by using its HTML5 and JavaScript-based "PixelFixer" tool.

And since it's HTML5 and JavaScript-based, there's nothing to install. All that's required is to open the web app's page, drag the PixelFixer window over the stuck pixel area then leave it on for at least 10 minutes.

JScreenFix also claims that the tool works for both LCD and OLED based displays and it has a more-than-60-percent chance of fixing stuck pixels.

PixelHealer

If you're a Windows user, you can also use the free download PixelHealer to try and fix stuck or even dead pixels yourself.

After detecting your monitor's stuck or dead pixels, you can use PixelHealer's flashing color box on the affected areas to try and jolt the pixels back into shape. The site claims that the tool uses the already proven method of using flashing RGB colors to restore a stuck pixel or even revive a dead one.

Additionally, once downloaded to your Windows machine, PixelHealer can be used instantly without the need for installation.

Note: Since PixelHealer (and most pixel fixing tools) use flashing images, caution is required, as these can trigger epileptic seizure attacks.

Android

Aside from the web-based tool JScreenFix, Android users can install pixel-fixing apps to try and whip stuck or dead pixels back to life.

Note: There are no pixel fixing apps available for iOS at the Apple App Store, so I recommend using JScreenFix via a browser instead.

Dead Pixels Test and Fix

For Android, one of the better-rated pixel-fixing apps is Dead Pixels Test and Fix, available at the Google Play Store. This app is free but it does contain ads.

Like other software methods of pixel fixing, it relies on flashing multi-colored screens to try and jolt the stuck or dead pixels back to life. Recommended treatment times vary from 10 minutes to a few hours. Again, just keep your screen on while running the app and avoid looking at your display while the procedure is doing its rounds.

If you want to check for dead or stuck pixels instead, Dead Pixels Test and Fix also has a dead pixel checker you can run.

Last resort: Apply Pressure

If your monitor is out of warranty and none of the pixel fixing software methods are working for you, either you just learn to live with a few stuck or dead pixels here and there, or, if you're brave enough, here's a last-ditch method you can attempt.

First, take note of the location of the stuck or dead pixel. Then turn off your monitor and try applying gentle pressure on the affected area in an attempt to "massage" it back to life. Use something with a narrow but flat edge like a pencil eraser or a pen cap. To avoid damaging your screen, wrap it with a soft and damp microfiber cloth.

The idea behind this is that by applying gentle force, you might coax the pixel back to into its proper alignment.

Keep in mind that if not done properly, this method can actually create more dead pixels and extreme caution is required. (Important note: Use this method at your own risk. Komando.com is not responsible for any damages caused by this procedure.)